Special Events at James White's Fort

Cherokee Heritage Days - August 2nd 2008

Cherokee Heritage Days at James White's Fort is an annual event that allows the people of Knoxville and surrounding communities to learn a great deal about the history and culture of the Cherokee People.

Featured at this year's event is Rob Rambo (left), giving a first person presentation of Atta kul kulla, Cherokee peace chief in the 18th century.  Rob is focusing on researching the life of Atta kul kulla, known to the whites as the Little Carpenter, as he works on his Master's Degree in American History at Western Carolina University.  Rob is a certified teacher in the state of Virginia, a graduate of Virginia Military Institute, and a veteran of the Iraq war.  His performance is arranged through the Kentucky Humanities Council.

(more about Atta kul kulla can be found at c:\eudora\attach\Chautauqua Listing.pdf). In addition to his presentations about Little Carpenter, Rambo will have a camp site for visitors to learn more about the daily life of the Cherokee during the 18th century.

Also at this year's event will be Robert "Redhawk" Eldridge, originally from North Carolina, but who has lived in East Tennessee for the past 28 years.  Robert is active at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum, school classrooms and Scout functions where he lectures and presents programs on the Cherokee Indians, the History of Tennessee from a Cherokee perspective and the Cultural Differences of Native American Throughout North America.  He reenacts the early 1800's Cherokee around the time of Sequoyah.  Robert is also an enthusiastic storyteller at Native Powwows and gatherings.

Beyond telling stories, Robert will have a camp site to explain Cherokee life in the early 19th century.

Sherry Finchum, an administrator with the Jefferson County school system, will offer a session on tracing Cherokee ancestry.  After the presentation, visitors will be able to visit with her regarding their specific questions or research roadblocks.

One of the highlights of Cherokee Heritage Day is always the dance demonstration.  Several members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will participate in powwow style dancing and also exhibit some of the dances traditional to the Cherokee people.

With tours of The Fort, open hearth cooking, blacksmithing, and face painting, everyone should find something to enjoy.

James White’s Fort is located at the intersection of Hill Avenue and Hall of Fame Drive in downtown Knoxville.  For more information or reservations call 525-6514.  See You There!

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